Can I be banned from a live playhouse if I've been comped admission?

[dramaphile]

What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state?

California




I'm a theater critic for a San Diego weekly newspaper, and I recently ripped a very poor production of Sophocles' "Antigone." The theater owner is so angry that he has said I'm welcome back in his venue but only if I'm not going to review the plays. Otherwise, he says, he intends to ban me.

I'm due to review a show there on Sunday, and I've been granted complimentary admission to it not by the theater owner but by the company renting his space. I believe that North Carolina law states that a theater owner can't refuse admission to a ticket holder if that person has purchased a ticket or has legally obtained one from another party, and I'm wondering if California has a similar law. I've gone ahead and purchased a ticket as well so both my bases are covered, but I wonder if he can legally expel me no matter what.

Regards,
Marty Westlin
San Diego, CA

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state?

California

I'm a theater critic for a San Diego weekly newspaper, and I recently ripped a very poor production of Sophocles' "Antigone." The theater owner is so angry that he has said I'm welcome back in his venue but only if I'm not going to review the plays. Otherwise, he says, he intends to ban me.

I'm due to review a show there on Sunday, and I've been granted complimentary admission to it not by the theater owner but by the company renting his space. I believe that North Carolina law states that a theater owner can't refuse admission to a ticket holder if that person has purchased a ticket or has legally obtained one from another party, and I'm wondering if California has a similar law. I've gone ahead and purchased a ticket as well so both my bases are covered, but I wonder if he can legally expel me no matter what.

Regards,
Marty Westlin
San Diego, CA

My response:

Yes, he can, Marty. You were informed of the "ground rules" of your attendance and, if it's your intent to critique this play, then yes, you can be escorted out.

Remember, a "ticket" is merely a license to attend, subject to revocation at any time. It's a lot like telling a reporter that a conversation is "off the record" - - a concept that is held dear by most responsible reporters. The owner has, in effect, told you that anything you see while on his premises is "off the record", making your ability to report your critique a matter of honor, thus crippling your ability to write your column.

So, put your pad and pen away, and enjoy the play as an observer in the audience - - not as a reporter. If you flaunt his wish and directive, you will never be attending again, and word will spread that you have no honor as a reporter; i.e., that time-honored "rules of reporting" are meaningless to you.

IAAL

 

[BelizeBreeze]

This is a prime example of why I sold my newspaper and left journalism.